Jun

28

2012

The northeastern United States started this week in the grips of a continuing heatwave, with temperatures in excess of 100ºF (37.7ºC) This was also true for the central plains states later in the week, with another wave of dizzyingly high temperatures headed for the eastern parts of the US. The heat wave is expected to bring record temperatures to parts of Tennessee. Europe is once again in the grips of a heat wave, with Serbia recording temperatures 6ºC above normal (10.8ºF above normal). Temperatures in the region have been reported as high as 50ºC (122ºF). Heat stroke, a severe medical condition that can cause sudden death, is possible under these conditions.

The record heat in the US is contributing to blazes across the western parts of the country. Yet another new wildfire in Colorado has grown to over 2,000 acres (809 ha).

Meanwhile, a flash flood has ravaged Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada. The town, popular among vacationers in western Canada due to its proximity to the Schuswap lake system. While the town suffered immense damage, fortunately no people were reported injured. Bangladesh had no such luck, with over 100 people dead in floods there.

Jun

28

2012

The Midwest cities of Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City could approach or break heat records on Thursday, as a massive high pressure system sent temperatures higher throughout most of the country.

Jun

28

2012

One of the partially destroyed homes is still smoldering among those totally destroyed in the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado June 28, 2012. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds helped firefighters on Thursday in the battle against the fire, which has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee.

Jun

27

2012

Officials don’t know how many houses have been destroyed in Colorado’s Waldo Canyon Fire, which has forced the mandatory evacuation of what the Associated Press reported was more than 32,000 people from the Colorado Springs area. They tell stories of hurried escapes, tall flames engulfing homes and thick smoke that makes breathing and seeing almost impossible. The anxiety is palpable, the sadness as widespread as the smoke.